Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

The Machine Operator sets up, operates, and maintains production machinery in a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment. This role supports the production of pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food and beverage products, ensuring that all output meets strict quality specifications, safety standards, and regulatory requirements. The position involves hands-on machine operation, sanitation, basic maintenance, and accurate documentation throughout the manufacturing process.

Responsibilities

Set up, change over, operate, sanitize, and perform routine maintenance on production machinery such as tablet presses, encapsulators, mixers, coating pans, food processing lines, or similar equipment.

Clean machines, related equipment, and work areas using water, solvents, and approved cleaning agents after each batch and at the end of each shift, ensuring all areas remain sanitary at all times.

Report sanitation issues to supervision and coordinate with Quality Control for post-cleaning verification, including swab testing, and complete all required cleaning logs.

Review work orders, batch records, and Master Manufacturing Records (MMRs) to determine production specifications and processing requirements.

Measure, weigh, and mix raw materials or ingredients as needed and load specified mixtures into machine hoppers or feed sections prior to operation.

Adjust machine components to regulate speed, pressure, temperature, and material flow to meet product specifications.

Select and verify tooling, dies, molds, or machine parts to match product sizes and formats specified on production documents.

Perform test runs to confirm equipment is set up correctly before starting full production.

Examine, measure, weigh, or test in-process samples to ensure conformance to specifications throughout the production run.

Continuously observe machine operations to ensure quality, conformity, and consistency of the finished product.

Sort, grade, weigh, and inspect finished product, verify and adjust weights or measurements to meet specifications, and remove and segregate any defective product.

Stop or reset machines when malfunctions occur, clear jams, troubleshoot basic issues, and promptly report malfunctions to supervision.

Clean, lubricate, and make minor adjustments or repairs to machinery and equipment as needed to maintain reliable operation.

Record and maintain accurate production data, including batch quantities, meter readings, weights, dimensions, yields, and reject counts.

Transfer completed product from machines to drying, storage, or staging areas using handcarts, pallet jacks, or storage containers, ensuring all product is properly covered and labeled at all times.

Conduct ongoing assessments of quality control procedures and operational processes and suggest improvements where appropriate.

Meet or exceed daily production goals and guidelines for each product while maintaining quality and safety standards.

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in full compliance with GMP, safety, and regulatory standards.

Perform other related duties as assigned by supervision to support overall production and operational needs.Essential Skills

High school diploma or GED.

1–2 years of machine operation experience in a GMP-regulated environment such as pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food and beverage, or similar manufacturing setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Demonstrated understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP/cGMP) and quality control principles.

Knowledge of production processes, batch documentation, and techniques for maximizing manufacturing efficiency.

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, setup, repair, and basic maintenance.

Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve minor equipment issues.

Ability to read and interpret work orders, batch records, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technical instructions.

Ability to understand and follow all written and verbal safety requirements and procedures.

Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

Ability to make timely and sound decisions in a fast-paced production environment.

Ability to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language used in the workplace.

Ability to walk, kneel, squat, bend, stand, and climb stairs for extended periods.

Ability to reach, twist, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds safely.

Ability to grab, grasp, and use fingers and hands to push buttons, operate controls, and set up machinery.

Ability to operate hand trucks, pallet jacks, and forklifts if required.

Ability to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously and calculate figures and amounts accurately.Additional Skills & Qualifications

Associate’s degree or technical certification in a related field is preferred.

Experience operating production machinery in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or food and beverage manufacturing environments.

Familiarity with machine operation, production lines, and inspection processes in a manufacturing setting.

Versatility, flexibility, and willingness to work within changing priorities with a positive and enthusiastic attitude.

Good judgment and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.

Bilingual skills are a plus.

Forklift certification is a plus.

CNC, HAAS, or NIMS certifications are a plus.

Experience working under GMP, cGMP, and packaging standards in a general manufacturing environment.Why Work Here?

You will join a production team that values safety, quality, and continuous improvement in a regulated manufacturing environment. The role offers the opportunity to build and expand your technical skills with complex machinery, GMP practices, and quality systems while contributing directly to products that support consumer health and well-being. You can expect a structured environment with clear procedures, opportunities to suggest process improvements, and the chance to grow your experience in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or food and beverage manufacturing.

Work Environment

Work takes place in a manufacturing and warehouse environment where temperatures can range from cool to hot and noise levels vary from moderate to high. The role requires regular movement, including walking, standing, bending, and climbing stairs for extended periods, as well as handling materials and products up to 50 pounds. Team members operate and work around production equipment, hand trucks, pallet jacks, and potentially forklifts. Appropriate personal protective equipment and safety gear, such as gloves, face masks, hairnets, uniforms, safety glasses, and other protective items, must be worn as required. The environment may include exposure to small particles, powders, odors, allergens, and cleaning agents, and work is performed under strict GMP, safety, and sanitation standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Livermore, CA.Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $32.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision

• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital

• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available

• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)

• Short and long-term disability

• Health Spending Account (HSA)

• Transportation benefits

• Employee Assistance Program

• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Livermore,CA.Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 27, 2026.

About Aerotek:

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.